18 of the best nylon-string acoustic guitars in the world today

Your buyer's guide to classy classicals

Introduction

There's nothing that can quite replicate the feel or sound of playing a nylon-string acoustic guitar. However, even if you're well versed in steel-string acoustics, or can rewire a Stratocaster with your eyes closed, the classical guitar can still be a thing of mystery.

There are innumerable classical manufacturers and while some of them (eg, Yamaha) will be familiar to most of us, there are plenty of brands that won't be.

Here we've selected of some of the best nylon-string guitar models we've come across. Whether you want a classical-style electro or something more steel-string-like and tailored for the stage, these are the guitars we recommend...

Cordoba Iberia GK Studio

So many lower-end nylon-strings seem overbuilt and unresponsive acoustically - not the GK Studio. The Studio is a delight, from its feather-light weight to its quite un-classical neck that, despite its width, actually makes thumb- around positions relatively easy, certainly in lower positions.

The Studio is designed for a more 'flamenco'-type sound and it might surprise some players just how much bite it can have, especially played with some gusto with fingernails rather than your fingerpads.

Yamaha SLG200N

Thanks to a solid body - and no acoustic chamber - they are entirely feedback resistant: one reason why more than one big-name guitarist has used one for an amplified acoustic interlude in a loud rock band setting.

A major feature of the Silent Guitar design is its highly modernist appearance: aside from the neck and centre section, a laminated guitar-shaped frame is all you get for the 'body'.

This latest model adds Yamaha's Studio Response Technology (SRT): a digital system that emulates the sound of a real guitar, studio-recorded with a high-class microphone.

MusicRadar's verdict

"If you've caught the nylon bug, this is the place to start. A lot of guitar for the money."

Cordoba Mini O

While the Mini can be tuned to standard pitch, on a scale that's so reduced from the typical classical scale of 650mm (25.6 inches), things are relatively floppy but far from unplayable.

In the factory-designed A to A tuning, however, things feel remarkably classical-like, and the wider spacing makes it surprisingly easy to fret. There's reasonable projection, too, but it's as a practice tool or even a songwriting partner that the Mini feels a lot more 'serious' than many smaller instruments.

Alhambra Crossover CS-3 CW E5

Alhambra is a Spanish maker located in Muro de Alcoy, in the province of Alicante, that has been successfully making nylon string guitars for over 40 years.

Bearing in mind the base price of this guitar, it's very well made, sharp and clean. The cutaway might well limit it's acoustic volume but it's enough for small room ensemble use. Amplified it performs to a high standard and the easy playability makes it hard to return to a larger-necked traditional classical.

MusicRadar's verdict:

"If you've found the majority of nylon electros too unwieldy the Crossover provides slick playability, with the performance ethic of a high-line steel string electro."

Yamaha NTX700C

From its balanced acoustic sound - quite subdued in terms of volume - to its amplified tone, Yamaha really has got this right.

There's a natural sound with no piezo quack, which records well into your DAW; it loves modern effects, too, and hey, you wanna play it with a pick like Rodrigo (who uses a custom-made version of this very guitar), be our guest.

MusicRadar's verdict:

"For anyone after a different sound but with steel-string-like playability, this is the place to start: an absolutely superb modern nylon-string electro."

Carvin NS-1

Carvin's detailed, considered build is perfect if you need a pro-quality nylon-string for your louder gigs where a more standard electro-acoustic doesn't cut it. It's a beautiful guitar and very practical with it.

This thinline electro nylon also has synth access. Aside from its slotted headstock and tie-block bridge it’s distinctly un-classical with a mahogany through-neck and shape that’s more tele than torres. It features a 48.6mm nut width with a 508mm radiused ebony ’board and plenty of custom options, too.

MusicRadar's verdict:

Taylor 712CE-N

The 712ce-N exhibits the intimacy and balance of a steel string. The wide neck is easy to adjust to and intonation and playability are superb.

It feels very different to a concert classical and sounds very different, too - less bright-edged and explosive. Its unplugged sound suggests a much more laid-back style: a seriously good Latin/jazz nylon string. The string tension isn't over-soft either - it's very engaging, albeit far from its Spanish roots.

MusicRadar's verdict:

"Taylor's take on the hybrid steel/nylon guitar is extremely playable with a mellow acoustic voice and crisper, more attacking amplified sound."